Thanks for the kind words. Looks enticing yet I'm not ready to bring on another Bruce phase until he makes an inspiring enough new record, which by the looks of things will likely never happen. I hear he will be playing The River in its entirety now on a new tour (plus some extra stuff.... whoa, bonus!! (being sarcastic)... wonder hw much he's milking his hardcore obsessive sucker fans for that? who the hell is he trying to please? I just cannot believe that he really would sincerely be excited by the prospect artistically at all.

"The Ghosts of Highway 20"- Lucinda Williams-death is becoming a cottage industry for boomers but the songs on this new record put a languid spin on its inevitability-the allure of 'being in love with half- easeful death' that is sonically enhanced by the dual channel guitar entwining of Greg Leisz and the masterful Bill Frisell. I have not heard such interplay since Allman and Clapton decades ago. A master class in musicianship is being conducted on this record.

"....there's a merry song that starts in 'I' and ends in 'You', as many famous pop songs do....'

Anthology[both discs] for Emmylou Harris and her Warner Brother/Reprise years- in particular the songs that feature her friend Rodney Crowell and the other members of the old TCB band- good times and memories in the cube today.

"....there's a merry song that starts in 'I' and ends in 'You', as many famous pop songs do....'

Fresh in the cube today- the reunion album from Difford and Tilbrook as Squeeze from last year- "Cradle to the Grave"--first impressions eminently re-listenable. Concept record of sorts as a life span is covered- musings on aging, regrets, missed opportunities, time's relentless passage. One is quickly reminded of the beautiful harmonies and facile turns of phrase and perfect story details within their songs. I am happy that they are back working together and making music.

"....there's a merry song that starts in 'I' and ends in 'You', as many famous pop songs do....'

In the cube today "The Best of Rufus Wainwright - Vibrate" a two disc set that came out in 2014. Reacquainting myself with some of the more exotic one offs he has done over the years. Rufus is an acquired taste, perhaps, but I have grown to appreciate his sensibility and musical skills since he appeared back in 1998. He can do a mean cover and his 'campy' side can be off-putting but his melodies are often intricate and fun to follow. I will be curious to hear the results of his putting Shakespeare sonnets to song later this month when his new album is released. If it as good as Iris DeMent's last record putting Ahkmatova lyrics to song, it should be worth a listen or two.

"....there's a merry song that starts in 'I' and ends in 'You', as many famous pop songs do....'

I picked up the reunion album of the original Santana lineup yesterday on its first day out in the stores. Their first album was the first album I ever purchased back in 1969. I still cannot get enough of those infectious grooves and the new album catches at times that same infectious quality[it could have used some judicious editing]. Make up your own mind......

Case/Lang/Veirs. Holy trinity of female talent. I've been into all 3 over the years, but chiefly Laura V in recent years whose July Flame album from c. 6 years back is a cracker. Just listened to three off the album on YouTube and it's all great. Hope they tour in Europe.

I have been listening to the new Paul Simon album "Stranger to Stranger". What a late life run he has been on. He seems so comfortable in his skin these days. This one is shaping up to potentially be my favorite record of the year with some competition coming from the new Sturgil Simpson record......

No one here listening to PJ Harvey's "Hope Six Demolition Project?" There is, to my ear, a dip in quality about 1/3 of the way in, but after 2-3 duds it gets back on course, piling powerful song upon powerful song and, by the end, leaving you agog with its sonic and lyrical force. She's not always an easy listen, but is always an interesting one, and she's in top form here.

When man has destroyed what he thinks he owns
I hope no living thing cries over his bones

All weekend I listened to 'old timey' music. On Saturday I listened to all three discs of Harry Smith's box set Anthology of Folk Music. On Sunday, I listened to Hal Wilner's two CD set The Harry Smith Project.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think that you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt - M. Twain

My niece, Shaye Cohn, and her band mate, Erica Lewis, from Tuba Skinny, have a side project, The Lonesome Doves. They have their first record out with this group and I really believe they deserve a wider audience-have a listen......